Republic of Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy, has dismissed fears that Roy Keane's injury may be more serious than initially thought, insisting that the Manchester United captain would be linking up with the Irish squad on Thursday. Rumblings from Old Trafford earlier this week suggested that the Corkman's knee injury may force him out of action for a number of weeks, after the original diagnosis of two week's rest appeared to be failing to have the desired effect.
However, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, McCarthy said Keane would be joining up with the Irish squad on Thursday and that he will feature in the second World Cup play-off against Iran next week.
"Roy will play in the second game in Tehran," said McCarthy. "He will be joining up with the squad tomorrow (Thursday)."